Curriculum Overview – Subject
Intent for the year Units
The primary objective of our science
curriculum is to equip students with a
comprehensive understanding of the
subject matter, we do this by exploring the
10 key ideas that underpin Science.
In Year 7, we lay a strong foundation by
introducing fundamental scientific
concepts, focusing on developing core
practical skills and vocabulary required to
grasp complex scientific phenomena.
Additionally, we integrate mathematical
and practical skills throughout the year,
creating a stimulating learning
environment that encourages students to
actively engage with the subject matter.
Our teaching methodology heavily
emphasizes contextualization, allowing
students to relate to the subject matter
more effectively. We adopt a layered
approach to topics, whereby concepts
introduced earlier in the year serve as
building blocks for future learning.
Overall, our science curriculum is designed
to inspire and motivate students to explore
the intricacies of the natural world,
fostering a lifelong love for learning and
discovery.
Year 7
Duration Assessment
1. 2 weeks Low stakes assessments: A range of self,
1. Forces peer and teacher assessed tasks. These
As part of their learning, students will will include practical, numerical, literacy
investigate various types of forces and their tasks and end of topic tests.
relationship to balanced and unbalanced
forces. They will delve into the fundamental End of term tests: these are cumulative
force of gravity and its critical role in the (all topics covered until that point).
universe. Additionally, they will gain an
understanding of speed and how to interpret
distance-time graphs.
2. 3 weeks
2. Electromagnets
Throughout their studies, students will
acquire knowledge of essential principles
concerning electricity, such as current,
potential difference, and resistance. They will
examine how resistance can fluctuate in
varying circuits. Moreover, students will be
capable of elucidating static electricity and 3. 3 weeks
connecting it to the world they inhabit.
3. Energy
As part of their curriculum, students will gain
an understanding of both renewable and non-
renewable energy resources, and critically
evaluate their environmental impact. They
will analyse the various types of energy
resources with a particular focus on their 4. 3 weeks
efficacy and power, in relation to everyday
situations.
4. Waves
Throughout their course, students will delve
into the study of sound and light waves. They
will gain knowledge of the workings of the ear
Curriculum Overview – Subject

in detecting sounds and the eye in detecting 5. 4 weeks

light. Additionally, they will acquire a
comprehensive understanding of color,
frequency, amplitude, and pitch.

5. Matter
As part of their curriculum, students will
acquire knowledge of the fundamental
principles of the particle model and the
various states of matter. They will investigate
the changes of state and connect this to
particle diagrams. Furthermore, they will gain 6. 3 weeks
an understanding of and carry out different
separation techniques, including
chromatography, filtration, distillation, and
crystallization.

6. Reactions
Throughout their studies, students will
explore the reactions of acids and alkalis, and
acquire the skills necessary to identify the pH
of a substance using practical techniques. 7. 2 weeks
Additionally, they will perform various
experiments to gain insight into the significant
reactions that occur between metals and non-
metals, metals and acids, metals and oxygen,
and metals and water.

7. Earth Science
As part of their curriculum, students will
develop an understanding of the planet they
inhabit. They will study the structure of the
Earth, the various types of rocks, and their 8. 2 weeks
practical applications. Additionally, they will
explore the world beyond by looking up into
the night sky, examining the solar system, and
Curriculum Overview – Subject
Year 8 science curriculum serves as a
bridge between foundational knowledge
and advanced concepts, laying the
groundwork for future academic pursuits.
Year 8
We continue to explore the 10 key ideas in
science however in much more depth in
gaining insight into the properties of the
moon.
8. Organisms
Throughout their course, students will explore
the intricate workings of their bodies. They 9. 2 weeks
will gain knowledge of the vital role of
muscles, the structure of the skeleton, and
the basics of a cell, including specialized cells
and plant cells. This will equip them with the
fundamental knowledge necessary for the
study of Biology.
9. Ecosystems
Students will look at the ecosystems around 10. 2 weeks
them and learn about the different food
chains and food webs to understand predator-
prey relationships. They will learn about the
structure and life cycle of a plant and explore
the plant reproductive system
10. Genes
In this topic, students will explore what makes
them unique. They will look at the inheritance
of their genes from their parents. They will
explore the human reproductive system and
learn about adolescence, the menstrual cycle,
reproductive organs in males and females,
and the development of a foetus.
1. Forces 1. 4 weeks Low stakes assessments: A range of self,
Students will build on their knowledge from peer and teacher assessed tasks. These
Year 7 and delve into the types of forces, will include practical, numerical, literacy
contact and non-contact. They will explore tasks and end of topic tests
turning forces and calculate them. They will
also investigate pressure in gases and liquids.
Curriculum Overview – Subject
year 8. Our topics are meticulously
designed to inspire a love for science while
also preparing our students for possible
STEM pathways.
We explore mathematical, practical, and
exam skills across all three sciences,
encouraging students to delve deeper into
the subject matter and develop a passion
for learning.
Our approach to teaching focuses on
nurturing scientific curiosity and fostering a
growth mindset, empowering our students
to take on challenges with confidence and
enthusiasm. We believe that our students'
engagement with science should not be
limited to GCSE exams, but rather extend
beyond the classroom to their future
careers and personal pursuits.
Therefore, we equip our students with the
necessary tools and skills to pursue STEM
pathways, should they choose to do so. By
providing an engaging and challenging
learning environment, we hope to ignite a
lifelong love for science and inspire our
students to become the next generation of
innovators and problem solvers.
2. Electromagnets End of term tests: these are cumulative
Students will learn about magnets and the 2. 2 weeks (all topics covered until that point).
magnetic field. They will be able to draw the
magnetic field using a compass and a bar
magnet as well as use their knowledge from
Year 7 about electricity to build an
electromagnet. 3. 2 weeks
3. Energy
Students will learn about energy transfers
involved in heating and cooling. They will
explore radiation, convection and conduction
as well as link them to everyday scenarios for 4. 3 weeks
example home insulation.
4. Waves
The students will build on their knowledge 5. 4 weeks
from Year 7 about sound waves and light
waves and be able to model the different
types of waves.
5. Matter
Building on the idea of particles and states of
matter, pupils will learn about atoms, 6. 4 weeks
elements, compounds and mixtures. They will
learn about the periodic table and investigate
trends found amongst the groups in the
periodic table.
6. Reactions
Students will explore the idea of the
conservation of mass in a chemical reaction 7. 4 weeks
and explore different reactions including
combustion and thermal decomposition.
Curriculum Overview – Subject
The Year 9 Science curriculum aims to build
upon the breadth of knowledge gained in
years 7 and 8 so a depth of knowledge and
understanding across Biology, Chemistry
Year 9
and Physics is developed. Students are
challenged to understand that every effect
Earth Science
Students will explore the earth's resources. 8. 4 weeks
They will dig deeper into the causes of climate
change and evaluate its effects. They will also
think about ways to combat the issues that
we face around climate change and global
warming as the next generation of scientists.
Organisms
Students will continue to learn more about
their bodies as they explore the gas exchange 9. 2 weeks
system and breathing, they will explore the
digestive system and the process of extracting
nutrients from our food. They will also learn
about the different effects of drugs and
alcohol on the body.
7. Ecosystems
Pupils will look at the relationship between 10. 4 weeks
plants and animals by exploring respiration
and photosynthesis. They will be able to
explain the importance of each of these
reactions in animals and plants.
8. Genes
Pupils will continue to look at genes and learn
about the importance of DNA. They will delve
into the role of evolution, natural selection
and mutations as well as understand
extinction.
Autumn term: Low stakes assessments: A range of self,
P1: Conservation and dissipation of energy 4 weeks peer and teacher assessed tasks. These
C1: Atomic Structure 3 weeks will include practical, numerical, literacy
tasks and end of topic tests
B1: Cell Structure and Transport 5 weeks
Curriculum Overview – Subject

has one or more cause and are taught to Spring term: End of term tests are cumulative (all
evaluate scientific claims through critical B2: Cell Division 2 weeks topics covered until that point)
analysis of methodology, evidence and B3: Organisation and Digestive System 4 weeks
conclusions. Students are encouraged to
understand how to apply their scientific P2: Energy transfer by heating 2 weeks
knowledge to make informed decisions P3: Energy Resources 3 weeks
about everyday Science contexts and
should finish KS4 confident in the use of Summer Term:
scientific vocabulary and nomenclature. C2: The Periodic Table 3 weeks
Students will start the GCSE course, C3: Structure and Bonding 4 weeks
building on their understanding of key B4: Organising animals and plants 4 weeks
scientific concepts and apply their
knowledge to more complex scenarios and
real-world applications
Combined Science: Low stakes assessments: A range of self,
The Year 10 Science curriculum aims to Autumn term: peer and teacher assessed tasks. These
build upon the breadth of knowledge P6: Molecules and matter 2 weeks will include practical, numerical, literacy
gained in years 7, 8 and 9 so a depth of P7: Radioactivity 2 weeks tasks and end of topic tests
knowledge and understanding across P4: Electrical circuits 3 weeks
Biology, Chemistry and Physics is P5: Electricity in the home 2 weeks Cumulative: Students will complete a full
developed. Students are challenged to paper 1 for each science.
understand that every effect has one or B5: Communicable disease 3 weeks
more cause and are taught to evaluate B6: Preventing and treating disease
scientific claims through critical analysis of
methodology, evidence and conclusions. Spring term:
Students are encouraged to understand B7: Non-communicable disease 2 weeks
how to apply their scientific knowledge to B8: Photosynthesis 3 weeks
make informed decisions about everyday B9: Respiration
Science contexts and should finish KS4
confident in the use of scientific vocabulary C4: Chemical Calculations 2 weeks
and nomenclature. Students will study a C5: Chemical changes 3 weeks
range of topics across the sciences, C6: Electrolysis 1 week
building upon knowledge from KS3,
Year 10

increasing in complexity and ensuring a Summer term:

broader and deeper understanding of the C7: Energy Changes 2 weeks
world around us. Ethical issues are also B15: Adaptation, Interdependence and competition 2 weeks
Curriculum Overview – Subject

explored to prepare students for their role B16: Organising and ecosystem 1 week
as global citizens. B17: Biodiversity and ecosystems 2 weeks

Triple: Biology
Autumn
B5: Communicable disease
B6: Preventing and treating disease 3 weeks
B7: Non-communicable disease 4 weeks
B8: Photosynthesis 3 weeks
4 weeks
Spring
B9: Respiration
B10: The Human Nervous System 5 weeks
5 weeks
Summer
B16: Adaptation, Interdependence and competition
B17: Organising and ecosystem 4 weeks
B18: Biodiversity and ecosystems
4 weeks
Triple: Chemistry
Autumn
Structure and bonding 3 weeks
C4: Chemical Calculations 6 weeks
C5: Chemical changes 5 weeks

Spring
C6: Electrolysis 3 weeks
C7: Energy Changes 5 weeks

Summer
C8: Rates and Equilibrium 5 weeks
C9: Crude Oil and fuels 4 weeks
C10: Organic reactions
Triple: Physics
Autumn
P6: Molecules and matter 5 weeks
Curriculum Overview – Subject

P7: Radioactivity 3 weeks

P4: Electrical circuits 5 weeks

Spring
P5: Electricity in the home 4 weeks
P8: Forces in Balance 5 weeks

Summer
P9: Motion 3 weeks
P10: Forces and Motion 4 weeks
P11: Forces and Pressure 4 weeks
The Year 11 Science curriculum aims to Combined Science: Low stakes assessments: A range of self,
build upon the breadth of knowledge Autumn peer and teacher assessed tasks. These
gained in the GCSE course so far, so that a B11: Hormonal Coordination 2 weeks will include practical, numerical, literacy
depth of knowledge and understanding B12: Reproduction 2 weeks tasks and end of topic tests
across Biology, Chemistry and Physics is B13: Variation and Evolution 2 weeks
developed. Students are challenged to B14: Genetics and Evolution Cumulative: Students will complete a full
understand that every effect has one or B15: Adaptation, interdependence and competition 1 week paper 1 and two paper 2’s for each
more cause and are taught to evaluate B16: Organising an ecosystem 1 week science.
scientific claims through critical analysis of B17: Biodiversity and ecosystems 1 week
methodology, evidence and conclusions.
Students are encouraged to understand C8: Rates and equilibrium 3 weeks
how to apply their scientific knowledge to C9: Crude oil and fuels 1 week
make informed decisions about everyday
Science contexts and should finish KS4 Spring 1 week
C10: Chemical analysis
confident in the use of scientific vocabulary 1 week
C11: The Earth’s Atmosphere
and nomenclature. Students will study a 2 weeks
C12: The Earth’s Resources
range of topics across the sciences, 2 weeks
P8: Forces in balance
building upon knowledge from KS3, 1 week
P9: Motion
increasing in complexity and ensuring a P10: Force and Motion 2 weeks
broader and deeper understanding of the P11: Wave properties
world around us. Ethical issues are also
explored to prepare students for their role Summer 2 weeks
Year 11

as global citizens. P12: Electromagnetic waves 1 week

P13: Electromagnetism
Curriculum Overview – Subject

Triple: Biology Low stakes assessments: A range of self,

Autumn
B11: Hormonal Coordination
B12: Homeostasis in action
B13: Reproduction
B14: Variation and Evolution
B15: Genetics and Evolution
peer and teacher assessed tasks. These
2 weeks will include practical, numerical, literacy
2 weeks tasks and end of topic tests
3 weeks
5 weeks Cumulative: Students will complete a full
paper 1 and two paper 2’s.

Spring
B16: Adaptation, interdependence and competition 5 weeks
B17: Organising an ecosystem
B18: Biodiversity and ecosystems 4 weeks
Triple Chemistry Low stakes assessments: A range of self,
Autumn peer and teacher assessed tasks. These
C11: Polymers 2 weeks will include practical, numerical, literacy
C13: The Earth’s Atmosphere 3 weeks tasks and end of topic tests
C8: Rates and equilibrium 4 weeks
Cumulative: Students will complete a full
Spring: paper 1 and two paper 2’s.
C12: Chemical Analysis 4 weeks
C14: The Earth’s Resources 4 weeks
C15: Using our Resources 4 weeks
Triple Physics Low stakes assessments: A range of self,
Autumn peer and teacher assessed tasks. These
P10: Forces and Motion 3 weeks will include practical, numerical, literacy
P11: Forces and Pressure 4 weeks tasks and end of topic tests
P12: Wave Properties 3 weeks
P13: Electromagnetic waves 3 weeks Cumulative: Students will complete a full
paper 1 and two paper 2’s.
Spring:
P14: Light 3 weeks
P15: Electromagnetism 5 weeks
P16: Space 4 weeks
Curriculum Overview – Subject

Students build upon their knowledge from Biology

KS4. They learn about the key concepts of Autumn
each science detail and apply these to a 1.1: Development of practical skills 2 weeks Maths and stats test
range of unfamiliar contexts. They practise 2.1 Cell Structure 3 weeks PAG 8 and 9 report
using technical equipment to complete 2.2 Biological molecules 2 weeks 2.1 Enzymes EOUT
PAGs. Students must follow a method and 2.3 Nucleic acids 2 weeks PAG 4 and 8 report
analyse a method to meet key 2.4 Enzymes 2 weeks
competencies. Students develop their 2.5 Biological membranes 2 weeks
practical, mathematical and statistical
PAG 6 Thin layer chromatography
skills.
PAG 9 Qualitative tests
PAG 4 Rate of enzyme controlled reactions

Spring 2 weeks End of module 2 test

2.6 Cell division 2 weeks PAG 8 Report
3.1 Exchange surfaces and breathing 2 weeks End of module 3 test
3.3 Transport in plants 2 weeks PAG 2 Report
3.2 Transport in Animals 3 weeks
4.1 Communicable diseases 2 weeks
PAG 8 Osmosis
PAG 2 Heart dissection

Summer 2 weeks
4.2 Biodiversity 2 weeks End of module 4 test, PAG 3 report
4.3 Classification and evolution 3 weeks Breadth and Depth mock paper
6.3 Biodiversity
PAG 3 Sampling

Chemistry 2 weeks
Autumn
2 weeks Baseline test
2.1 Amount of substance 2 weeks 2.1 Mini test
Year 12

2.1 Acids and Redox 4 weeks PAG 1.2

2.2 Bonding and structure 1 week PAG 2.2
Curriculum Overview – Subject

3.1 Periodicity End of module 2 test

3.1 Qualitative analysis 3.1 Mini test
PAG 1.2 Determination of the relative atomic mass of PAG 4
magnesium
PAG 2.2 Determination of the molar mass of an acid
PAG 4.3 Identifying unknowns

4 weeks
Spring 2 weeks 3.2 mini test
3.2 Enthalpy changes 3 weeks End of module 3 test
5.1 Rates and Equilibrium 3 weeks 4.1 mini test
4.1 Basic concepts 4.2 mini test
End of module 4 test
4.2 Organic Synthesis
PAG 3.1 Enthalpy determination of combustion
PAG 5.3 Oxidation of alcohols 3 weeks
3 weeks 5.1 mini test
Summer 1 week PAG 10.1
4.2 Analytical Techniques
PAG 7.2
5.1 Rates, Equilibria, pH Breadth and Depth mock paper
PAG 7.2 Identifying organic unknowns 1
PAG 6.1 Synthesis of aspirin
PAG 10.1 Rates Iodine clock

2 weeks
Physics 3 weeks Baseline test
Autumn 1 week 2.1 Motion test
1.1 Working as a physicist 3 weeks 2.2 Energy test
2.1 Mechanics 2 weeks 2.3 mini test
1 week 3.1 Electrical quantities EOUT
2.2 Mechanics
3.1 Electrical circuits
Core practical 1 – Determine the acceleration of a
freely-falling object
Curriculum Overview – Subject

Core practical 2 Determine the electrical resistivity of 2 weeks

a material 3 weeks 3.2 Electrical circuits EOUT
3 weeks 4.1 mini test
Spring 4.2 mini test
3.2 Complete electrical circuits 1 week AS Paper 1
4.1 Materials 1 week 5.1 mini test
5.1 Waves and particles 2 weeks 5.2 mini test
5.2 Behaviour of waves
Core practical 3 Determine the e.m.f and internal
resistance of an electrical cell
Core practical 4 Use a falling-ball method to
determine the viscosity of a liquid
Core practical 5 – Determine the Young modulus of a
material
Core practical 6 determine the speed of sound in air 3 weeks
using 2-beam oscilloscope, signal generator, speaker 3 weeks 5.3 waves EOUT
and microphone 2 weeks 5.4 Quantum Physics EOUT
2 weeks AS Full paper 1
Summer
5.3 Waves and Particles
6.1 Further mechanics
Core practical 9 Investigate the relationship between
2 weeks
the force exerted on an object and its change of
momentum
Core practical 10 Use ICT to analyse collisions
between small spheres, e.g. ball bearings on a table
top
Revision and Exam skills
Curriculum Overview – Subject

Students learn the fundamental skills and Biology

knowledge gained from year 12 and apply Autumn
it to wider contexts. Students have the 5.1 Communication and Homeostasis 3 weeks 100 MCQ for E-C summer work
opportunity to hone n their practical skills 5.2 Excretion 2 weeks Module 5.1.1 EOUT
through PAGs. Support is withdrawn 5.3 Neuronal Communication 3 weeks Module 5.1.2 EOUT
gradually to help students develop PAG 11: Daphnia and HR 3 weeks Module 5.1.3 EOUT
independence. 3 weeks Module 5.1.4 EOUT
PAG 12 Respiration rates in yeast
Mock paper 1 (depth paper + module
5.1.1 – 5.1.5)
Spring
5.4 Hormonal Communication 2 weeks
4 weeks Mock paper 2 – Biological Processes
5.5 Plant and animal responses
2 weeks Statistics test
6.1 Genetics and Ecosystems End of module 6 test
2 weeks
6.2 Inheritance, cloning and biotechnology
2 weeks
PAG 6 Effect of antibiotics on microbial growth

Summer 3 weeks Mock Paper 2 – Biological diversity

6.3 Populations and Sustainability 2 weeks Unified Biology Paper 3
PAG 6 Effect of antibiotics
PAG 9 pH change in yoghurt production 3 weeks
Revision and exam skills

Chemistry
Autumn 3 weeks 5.2 mini test
5.1 – Rates, equilibrium 2 weeks End of module 5 test
5.1 Acids, bases and buffers 2 weeks Mock full paper 1 – Periodic Table and
5.2 Lattice enthalpy and entropy 2 weeks Energy
5.2 Redox, electrode potentials 2 weeks
5.3 Transition Metals 2 weeks
6.1 Aromatic Compounds, carbonyls and acids
PAG 9.1 The rate of decomposition of hydrogen
peroxide
Year 13

PAG 10.2 Rates – thiosulfate and acid

PAG 11.2 pH – titration curves
Curriculum Overview – Subject

PAG 8.2 Electrochemical cells 2

3 weeks Aromatics mini test
Spring 3 weeks Carbonyls mini test
6.2 Nitrogen compounds, polymers and synthesis 2 weeks 6.1 Test
6.2 Amino acids, amides and chirality 2 weeks 6.2 Mini test
6.3 Analytical Techniques End of Module 6 test
PAG 12.1 Investigating iron tablets
6 weeks
Summer Mock full paper 2 – Synthesis and
Analytical techniques
Revision and Exam skills
Unified Chemistry Paper 3

2 weeks
Physics
2 weeks Topic 7 Mini test
Autumn
2 weeks Core practical 11
7.1 Electric and magnetic fields
2 weeks Mock Paper – Paper 1
Topic 7.2 Capacitors
2 weeks Topic 8 mini test
Topic 7.3 Electromagnetic effects
2 weeks Core practical 12, 13, 14
Topic 8.1 Nuclear atom
Topic 8.2 Particle accelerators
Topic 8.3 Particle zoo
Core practical 11 Use an oscilloscope or data logger to
display and analyse the potential difference across a
capacitor 2 weeks
2 weeks
Spring 2 weeks Topic 9 mini test
9.1 Thermodynamics 2 weeks Topic 10 mini test
10.1 Space 2 weeks Core practical 15
11.1 Nuclear Radiation 2 weeks Topic 11 mini test
Core practical 12 Calibrate a thermistor in a potential
divider circuit as a thermostat
Core practical 13 Determine the specific latent heat of
a phase change

2 weeks
Curriculum Overview – Subject

Core practical 14 Investigate the relationship between 2 weeks

pressure and volume of a gas at fixed temperature 2 weeks
Topic 12 mini test
Summer Core practical 16
12.1 Gravitational fields A2 Paper 2 Full Paper
13.1 Oscillations A2 Paper 3 full paper
6 weeks
Core practical 15 Investigate the absorption of gamma
radiation by lead
Core practical 16 Determine the value of an unknown
mass using resonant frequencies of the oscillation of
known masses
Exam skills and Revision